Annabelle’s grief has kept her isolated from her friends and family. How have you coped with grief?
How did Nugget bring healing to both Joseph and Annabelle?
Do you think it was reasonable of Annabelle’s father to keep her in Leadville to deal with her grief before sending her out into the world?
Joseph struggled with being able to listen to Nugget’s stories of their father, yet knowing their father’s misdeeds. Was he right in allowing Nugget to maintain those happy memories?
Annabelle struggles with being a preacher’s daughter who doesn’t believe God hears her prayers. Should being a preacher’s daughter have an impact on her faith? Have you ever struggled with believing God hears your prayers? How did you handle it?
Joseph is afraid to court Annabelle because of his responsibility in raising his younger siblings. Is it Joseph’s responsibility to put caring for them above his own desires?
Annabelle doesn’t want to get close to Joseph because she’s afraid of the pain she’ll feel when he leaves. Have you ever held someone at arm’s length because you thought they were leaving? How did that work out for you?
The Johansons, like many of the people who came to Leadville, are finding out that their dreams of becoming wealthy aren’t as easy as it sounded. What dreams have you had that have been more work than anticipated? Have you been able to still pursue those dreams?
How do you think Slade was able to fool the Lassiters for so long? Have you been betrayed by a dear friend? Looking back, were there signs you missed? How did you get over that betrayal?
Why do you think Joseph’s father entrusted Nugget with the mine’s secrets?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title.
You find illumination in days gone by. Love Inspired Historical stories lift the spirit as heroines tackle the challenges of life in another era with hope, faith and a focus on family.
Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Historical every month!
Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!
Other ways to keep in touch:
Harlequin.com/newsletters
Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks
Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks
HarlequinBlog.com
Chapter One
Turnabout, Texas
November 1896
Simon stood at the front of the church with hat in hand, trying very hard not to look as rattled as he felt. Ten orphan kids—TEN!—all looking to him to turn this disaster around and set their world to rights again. What in blue blazes did a bachelor like him know about taking care of kids, especially so many of them?
When he’d agreed to this venture he sure hadn’t counted on ending up as the sole caretaker of these kids. But they were his responsibility now, and he’d have to see it through.
Sending up a silent “Lord help me” prayer, Simon made himself smile in what he hoped was a relaxed, neighborly fashion as he watched the members of the small-town congregation file into the hastily called emergency meeting. He and the kids were strangers here—didn’t know a soul—and he had no idea what to expect from these people. If they didn’t help him, he wasn’t sure what in the world he was going to do.
The children stood lined up in front of him, and they edged closer together as the church began to fill. Some of them held hands, as if trying to draw strength from each other. He could do with a bit of that himself, but unfortunately he was on his own—just like always.
Fern, a much-too-serious thirteen-year-old, was looking out for the youngest, as usual. Three-year-old Molly and four-year-old Joey stood on either side of her, holding on to her hand. He quickly checked over the rest of them, feeling a little kick of relief at the way they held themselves. He knew they were worried and scared, but not one of them uttered a word, and all the tears had been dried before they left the confusion of the train depot. Miss Fredrick had taught them well.
He glanced over their heads, studying these strangers who held his and the children’s fate in their hands—at least for the next few days. He disliked the idea of begging for handouts, but for the sake of his charges he would swallow his pride.
If there was ever a time he needed help, it was now. Hopefully there was a motherly sort out there who would know what to do and would be willing to take care of his charges.
At least he wasn’t facing these folks entirely alone. The town’s minister, Reverend Harper, stood at his side with his wife and daughter nearby. Thank goodness someone had had the presence of mind to call the clergyman in when they’d arrived. The reverend had assured him that the folks in his congregation were generous, warmhearted people who would help in any way they could.
As the people settled into the pews, he noted their expressions were a mix of curiosity and sympathy. Most offered encouraging smiles to the children. How many had already learned of their situation?
When it appeared the last person had taken a seat, Reverend Harper stepped forward. “Thank you all for responding to the bells and joining us here on such short notice.” He motioned toward Simon. “This gentleman is Mr. Simon Tucker and he’d like to introduce these fine children to you.”
Ready or not, he was up. How best to personalize these children for the congregation? Considering he’d only gotten to know them himself over this past week or so, it wouldn’t be easy.
He laid his hand lightly on Fern’s shoulder. “This young lady is Fern. She’s thirteen and the oldest of the children. She’s very responsible and is always looking out for the younger ones.”
He moved his hand to the shoulder of the boy on her right. “This little man here is Joey. Joey is four and loves animals.” Joey had told him
